Becoming a new person

I think that I began to go to the Tao Sangha Center in Kyoto in October 2005. It was at a time when my husband and I were having troubles and my mind and body was so tired.

I had a panic disorder and couldn’t go outside of my home.

My daughter recommended the Tao Sangha Center to me. She said “it’s a nice place and I’m sure you’ll feel better when you go there”. So I went the first time for a relaxation treatment (charity shiatsu).

During the treatment, I cried in spite of myself, it’s probably because I felt so relaxed receiving the treatment. I was embarrassed about it, but the shiatsu therapist told me warmly, “There are other people like you, that respond this way.” I thought it was a very worthwhile experience to go there.

During the treatment, I cried in spite of myself, it’s probably because I felt so relaxed receiving the treatment. I was embarrassed about it, but the shiatsu therapist told me warmly, “There are other people like you, that respond this way.” I thought it was a very worthwhile experience to go there.

But even so, at first I had a hard time with physical reactions to the treatments, so I didn’t go to the center but only a few times. The reason I never thought that I wanted to stop going was that I was impressed by the warm atmosphere at the center and how the therapist listened to me warmly and treated me with tender care.

I understand that the Tao Sangha Center where I can have Tao shiatsu is a place where I would not only get better but also where my spirit could grow. I appreciate finding out about the center and going there. I haven’t gotten rid of all my troubles yet, but thanks to the center’s staff, I think I can become a new person and accept everything.

When I think back on when I first went to the center, I could barely walk. Surprisingly now, I’ve recovered my health and am able to run across the street at the crosswalk before the light turns red.

Finally, I’m able to live a normal life. The next goal is to be able to do sports (I may not look like it, but when I was younger I practiced kendo (a Japanese sword-fighting martial art).

Therapist’s comment:

She was exhausted in mind and body because of many troubles when she came to the center. She had a hard time with the painful physical reactions to treatments in the middle of therapy.

But she trusted Tao Shiatsu and decided to continue having regular treatments. Her symptoms got better little by little, and her life took a turn for the better. I realized again how very important the patient’s spirit of devotion to the treatment really is.